Louvre

Louvre Museum Wikimedia Commons

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Dernière salle des antiquités égyptiennes (Louvre)

The Louvre is one of the world's largest and most famous art museums, located in Paris, France. It is renowned for its extensive collection, which spans from prehistory to the 21st century. The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace, originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century under Philip II. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and transformed into a royal palace. In 1682, when Louis XIV chose the Palace of Versailles for his household, the Louvre ceased to be a royal residence. It was subsequently used to display the royal collection, including Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities, and was opened to the public as a museum on 10 August 1793.

The Louvre's collection is divided among eight curatorial departments: Near Eastern Antiquities; Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; Paintings; and Prints and Drawings. The museum's most famous work is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," which attracts millions of visitors each year. Other notable works include the "Venus de Milo," the "Winged Victory of Samothrace," and the "Code of Hammurabi."

The Louvre is not only a historical monument but also a symbol of French cultural heritage and a testament to European art history. Its iconic glass pyramid, designed by architect I. M. Pei and inaugurated in 1989, serves as the main entrance and has become a landmark of the city of Paris.

History

The origins of the Louvre date back to 1190 when Philip II built a fortress on the western edge of Paris to protect the city from the Viking raids via the Seine. Over the centuries, the fortress was transformed into a luxurious royal palace by successive French monarchs. The idea of using the Louvre as a public museum came about during the French Revolution, leading to its opening in 1793.

Collections

The Louvre's vast collection is a testament to the rich history of human civilization and art. Its eight departments offer a comprehensive overview of artistic achievements across various cultures and time periods.

Near Eastern Antiquities

This department showcases artifacts from the earliest civilizations of the Near East, including Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Levant.

Egyptian Antiquities

The Egyptian collection is one of the largest in the world, featuring items from the Nile civilizations from the 4th millennium BC to the 4th century AD.

Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities

This department houses classical sculptures, mosaics, and jewelry, representing the art and culture of ancient Greece, Etruria, and Rome.

Islamic Art

Opened in 2012, this department displays art from Islamic cultures spanning three continents over 1,300 years.

Sculpture

The sculpture department includes works from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, with French sculpture being particularly well-represented.

Decorative Arts

This department features decorative art objects, including ceramics, textiles, and furniture, from the Middle Ages to the present.

Paintings

The paintings department contains more than 7,500 works from the 13th to the 19th centuries, including masterpieces by da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vermeer.

Prints and Drawings

This department holds a vast collection of prints, drawings, and manuscripts from the Middle Ages to the present.

Architecture

The Louvre Palace has undergone numerous renovations and expansions since its construction. The addition of the Louvre Pyramid in the late 20th century was a significant modernization effort, blending the historic with the contemporary.

Visiting the Louvre

The Louvre is one of the most visited museums in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. It offers various tours, educational programs, and exhibitions to engage the public with its collections.